Clerks & Graduates
There is an evident teaching culture and learning mindset
A perfect mix of formal training and practical experience, your clerkship journey will be second-to-none. Our talented and respected legal professionals, many of whom are highly regarded in their areas of expertise, are just waiting to empower you with their knowledge. From the outset of your clerkship, you will have the opportunity to see them in action and learn on-the-job by being exposed to real work. You will gain valuable insight into the workings of a corporate law firm and the legal industry as a whole.
We want to engage with a broad range of minds with a broad range of backgrounds, all united by a common set of strengths. We encourage submissions from penultimate and final year students.
Our program offers ongoing mentorship and support, helping you to grow and develop as a legal professional. As a clerk, you will become part of an enthusiastic team who are committed to excellence. The dynamic, positive working environment encourages our clerks to develop and enrich their skills through structured training. We share information, knowledge and good practice, and promote the development of others because we want you to become a technically excellent lawyer at the start of your career.
There will be a limited number of ad hoc clerkship and GDLP placements offered throughout the year.
We respect individuality. We want to get to know you.
A clear and concise introduction letter should highlight your skill set as well as your interests and provide us with an insight into you.
Outline in your curriculum vitae relevant work experience, volunteer work, your degrees and whether they are held or being completed. Show your individuality by detailing any languages you speak or extra-curricular activities you participate in.
Also, submit your academic transcripts and attach relevant supporting documents such as a visa or certification of a degree.
Before you commence, really think about what your key skills, achievement and experiences are.
Make a list and keep referring back to it. Your submission shouldn’t be a 3 page essay on how fabulous you are but you should make sure that you tell us what your strengths are.
There are a variety of law firms and we’re all looking for different things from our clerks. Refer to our website to ensure that our areas of law align with those you aspire to practice in.
We strive to support you both professionally and personally.
We support a work/life balance and encourage participation in our extensive health and wellbeing program. Our social fabric is strong – we have fun and celebrate our successes, no matter how big or small.
You will interact with the rest of the firm from the moment you join us.
Our clerks also form a tight-knit peer group to bounce their ideas and thoughts between.
What our previous and current clerks have to say …
“The Finlaysons Clerkship program is an excellent opportunity to learn and be part of an inclusive firm culture. It is an opportunity I have found to be extremely rewarding due to the willingness of all practitioners to assist with tasks and share their knowledge. On my first day I was paired with both a ‘buddy’ and a ‘coach’ who have provided me with ongoing feedback and guidance. I am exposed to new learning opportunities every day and could not recommend this opportunity more.”
– Tessa McVann, Lawyer and Law Clerk 2023/2024
“Finlaysons promotes excellent firm culture through the support of an active social club and by providing many opportunities for clerks to socialise with colleagues. The practitioners from a junior to senior level are incredibly approachable and are always willing to share their wealth of knowledge with clerks, creating many valuable learning experiences over the course of the Clerkship program. I would highly recommend Finlaysons Clerkship program to anyone contemplating it, it is an unparalleled experience that you cannot match with University studies alone.”
– Bryce Gassner, Associate, and 2021/2022 Law Clerk
“Perhaps my favourite part of working at Finlaysons is the learning opportunities which stem from a firmly ingrained “open door” culture whereby clerks are easily able to approach senior practitioners for assistance with tasks, or broader issues in general. Further to this, Finlaysons also implements an effective “buddy” and “coach” system as part of its program to ensure clerks are never left wanting for help should they need it. I could not recommend this program more highly.”
– Michael Rydon, Senior Associate and 2018/2019 Law Clerk
“The opportunities that I have been given at Finlaysons have been, and continue to be, invaluable. Within the very first month of my clerkship, I was assigned to a trial, where I was provided with a significant amount of hands-on experience and exposure to civil litigation within South Australia. I assist a number of partners and senior practitioners with interesting and legally complex matters on a daily basis and I continue to look forward to a new challenge each day. I thoroughly recommend the Finlaysons Clerkship to any law student that is looking for a truly unique experience.”
– Steven Ellis, Senior Associate and 2018/2019 Law Clerk
“The rotational clerkship program at Finlaysons has provided me with invaluable experience and allowed me to expose myself to a variety of practice areas across the Litigation and Commercial space. The variety of work available and the willingness of senior practitioners to share knowledge and provide mentorship has been instrumental in my development in both a professional and academic sense. The firm boasts a welcoming and convivial working environment which fosters deep interpersonal relationships within the team and as clerks you are quickly integrated into the firm culture from the very beginning.”
Chris Johnson, Law Clerk 2023/2024, 2025
“My clerkship at Finlaysons has continually provided invaluable experience with hands-on exposure to a variety of practice areas that I am interested in; including Corporate Governance, Banking & Finance, Wills & Estates and General Commercial matters. With an open-door style, Finlaysons has a culture that fosters support and approachability with senior practitioners who are always willing to provide guidance and constructive feedback, which has been imperative to my professional growth. Whilst studying at University, my Finlaysons’ clerkship has not only challenged me to apply my academic knowledge to real-world scenarios but has also significantly contributed to increasing my practical skills and interpersonal development within a welcoming environment.”
– Thomas Perrin, Law Clerk 2024/2025
“As a clerk at Finlaysons, I have garnered invaluable insight of the practical work in a legal profession. It has allowed me to take on tasks bridging the gap from my academic knowledge. The work that I am entrusted with, challenges me and refines essential skills that greatly contributes to my legal career. Practitioners are approachable, offer guidance and give constructive feedback that has significantly enhanced my experience. The firm’s welcoming environment further supports professional growth, and I would highly recommend this exposure and opportunity.”
– Sonia Thant, Law Clerk 2024, 2025
Helpful Insights
